The thrill, the feel, and the real deal—that’s what Toyota Gazoo Racing wants to deliver to those looking for adrenaline-filled days on the racetrack and on the road. The Japanese carmaker has been in the industry well before World War II, and it has proven itself as one of the most reliable in the market, whether they are crafting sedans or race cars.
Sakichi Toyoda started producing automated looms in 1924 and moved on to develop automobiles. Up until today, Toyota continues to improve its cars, and that's evident in its bestselling models that are trusted worldwide.
Toyota Gazoo Racing started in 2007 and has since been active in producing world-class road cars, which are honed after every race and are improving through the years. For fans who are still unfamiliar with what’s going on with this motorsports brand, here’s some quick information about their story, their cars, their goals, and the Toyota way.
10 What Does ‘gazoo’ Mean?
Using the word ‘gazoo’ for branding is quite unique as it’s good for recall and attracts curiosity. Gazoo, as explained by then TGR chief Koei Saga to AutoCar, was derived from the Japanese word ‘gazo’ which means picture or image.
Toyota’s first use of that interesting word in relation to vehicles was when they set up an online system for car photos, which was called gazoo.com (still accessible today but in Japanese). Now, Gazoo is recognizable not just for its fun name but for its exciting vehicles.
9 TGR Through The Years
TGR was founded by Akio Toyoda, then vice president of the corporation, and Hiromu Naruse, dubbed as Japan’s master test driver. Naruse was the instructor of Toyoda, who personally drove some of the cars at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in Germany.
With the goal of “making ever-better cars,” the TGR team participated in many Nürburgring 24 races where they introduced their new development models. Ever since, they have become a constant presence in major races around the world, surprising fans and the competition.
8 Toyota Chief Walks The Talk
"The Toyota way is the Toyoda way"—That’s probably the mantra of the car executive because he personally test drives TGR road cars. Toyoda calls himself “Morizo” when taking the wheel and his driving is not just a PR stunt: he even joins TGR’s 5 Continents Drive Project.
Morizo conquers the road not just to satisfy his driving thirst and meet his adrenaline needs. He does so to ensure that TGR models are worthy and follows the company philosophy: “Roads build people, and people build cars.”
7 Test Drives For Best Rides
TGR has been participating in major motorsports, such as the World Rally Championship, Nürburgring 24, FIA World Endurance Championship, and Dakar Rally. The team believes that by actively competing in such events, their models will be properly tested. Talk about baptism by fire.
When facing the challenges of the races, what keeps TGR going is their goal of making “ever-better” cars. For them, it’s not just about testing cars but winning as well, just like when the Toyota Yaris took home multiple WRC titles. Gazoo Racing never disappoints wherever the race, whoever the competition.
6 Sustainable Motorsports?
Some reports claim that motorsports is on the way to becoming sustainable not just by reducing the environmental impacts of the races but by promoting electric vehicles as well. The TGR believes it is possible, and they just started the advocacy when they introduced what they called motorsports-bred cars.
Expectations are high after the announcement especially since Toyota introduced a “driver first” car development. Though TGR is mum on the specifications, their GR GT3 concept model aims to be one of the trailblazers in making motorsports sustainable.
5 The GR Series
TGR is proud of their GR86 which they call the ultimate sports car. With its advanced technology and high-performance features, this race monster won’t disappoint. Gazoo Racing made sure to create a marvel packed with a powerful FA24D engine and has impressive turning prowess.
Another of its offerings is the GR Supra, which delivered an exciting run in the 2019 Nürburgring 24. With great handling and interiors that combine function and beauty, this unit delivers the needed rush for every driver. No doubt, TGR cars hit all the marks inside and out.
4 At One With The Vehicle
GR86 seats are not just comfortable: they give the sensation of being one with the car. With that, the driver need not worry about being uneasy during a ride and just focus on a hassle-free journey. Whatever the road environment, this vehicle delivers the utmost driving experience.
Though the GR86 is already teeming with the needed features, from aesthetics to safety, Gazoo Racing continues to develop the model. After all, they wish to provide a pure sports car experience for anyone, any time.
3 Real World, Real Results
The features of TGR units are not developed by theories alone. They were tested in real-world driving environments and surpassed road challenges, thanks to their reliable technology. From the standard trials to extreme tests even on race tracks, TGR cars were pushed through the limit.
By facing such enormous conditions in any road environment, TGR makes sure to abide by its motto of making cars that are not just good in brochures and manuals. Be it GR86 or Supra, they are worthy of attention, praise, and fame.
2 bZ4X GR Sport Concept
Speculations abound when the bZ4X GR Sport Concept was introduced at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon. Gazoo Racing is still quiet about its technical aspects and overall features but the model is expected to be aligned with its goal of making sustainable vehicles.
This concept unit is based on bZ4X , has larger tires, and with promising sports seats. It aims to deliver a driving experience that puts emphasis on pleasure. By exciting enthusiasts with limited photos and short descriptions, it seems like TGR is reliving their gazoo.com days.
1 TGR And The Future
With the ever-changing technology, Toyota Gazoo Racing believes they can continue crafting sports cars from a racing car. The high level of work they put into each vehicle is hinged on a simple mantra: make customers smile.
TGR wants to incorporate all the things they learned from races and rallies into producing vehicles that give race car vibes. TGR is still a young division, so it has lots of years ahead to deliver its promises of creating better cars and better driving moments.